Vascular Stents

In order to avoid having surgery, revolutionary advancements in treating vascular disease have been made. These techniques have been mastered by the interventionalists and neurointerventionalists of Northside Radiology Associates, P.C. Iliac and carotid stents are just the two most discussed. The following section will begin the discussion of many of these advancements. As time goes on the site will be upgraded to stay current and offer valuable information to try to avoid unnecessary surgery.

(Narrow before stent)

(Normal after stent)

The placement of vascular stents requires the expertise of a well trained board certified interventional radiologist.

The technique entails placing a needle into the main artery of the leg at the upper thigh. This allows compression of the artery following catheter removal at the end of the procedure so that bleeding will not occur and allows monitoring of the site during the recovery period.

A wire is placed into the needle through the artery of the leg into the main artery of the body called the aorta. A catheter is then advanced over this wire into the aorta so that contrast can be injected. To examine a patient with suspected poor blood flow to the legs, contrast is injected to identify the aorta and vessels of the pelvis and legs. Many x-ray pictures are then obtained of the arteries filled with contrast. These pictures are called an angiogram.

Once the abnormality is identified the severity of the lesion is assessed and treatment options are considered. If a stent would be beneficial, a larger catheter is advanced to the artery. A stent is then placed into the abnormality while viewing the artery with x-ray. The stent is then expanded to fit the entire artery and the abnormality will be repaired.

Obviously the procedure has certain risks. These risk can be minimized by choosing a physician that is specifically trained for the procedure. The physician should discuss the risks and benefits with you prior to the planned procedure. An informed consent is obtained prior to every case at Northside Hospital.

To contact a physician trained in these procedures click here.